KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 29 (Bernama) -- The move by Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) in nominating opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for the yet to be announced Kajang state seat by-election is only to serve the interests of the de facto leader of the party, according to some academics.

Political analyst Associate Prof Dr Sivamurugan Pandian said PKR as a political party should respect the system of democracy even though the process of by-elections is permitted.

"In the process of wanting change, it should be to serve the people and not as a personal chess game," he said when contacted by Bernama here Wednesday.

Sivamurugan, who is a lecturer at the School of Social Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), was commenting on the action of PKR in naming the member of Parliament for Permatang Pauh as their candidate for the seat which fell vacant following incumbent Lee Chin Cheh's resignation on Monday.

Lee is also from the PKR.

Tuesday, Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim when announcing the matter, said the selection of Anwar was made after it was agreed upon by Pakatan Rakyat's Leadership Council.

Lee won the seat in the general election last May with a majority of 6,824 votes in a six-corner fight with candidates from Barisan Nasional (BN), Berjasa and three independents.

Meanwhile, Dr Amini Amir Abdullah of Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) said forcing the Kajang state seat to be vacant was no more than a slick political chess game of PKR to fulfill the desire of an individual, specifically Anwar.

He said if Anwar were to win the by-election, he would once again be crowned a hero which could solve a PKR crisis in the state administration led by the party in Selangor.

"Nonetheless, the question which should be asked is why are the people or voters in Kajang made the victims when they have put their trust and support in the previous representative who resigned without any explanation.

The Human Ecology Faculty lecturer said PKR has been playing with the trust of the people since Datuk Seri Wan Azizah Wan Ismail resigned as Permatang Pauh MP in 2008 to give way to her husband (Anwar).

Apart from Permatang Pauh and Kajang, another PKR representative who resigned was Penanti state assemblyman Mohammad Fairus Khairuddin. He was Penang Deputy Chief Minister I when he quit.

Meanwhile, Penang Gerakan chairman Teng Chang Yeow said the opposition coalition was merely using the by-election to solve an internal problem in PKR.

"The voters in Selangor should wise up in their decision as this is merely a party matter," he said.

Penang Umno Liaison secretary Datuk Musa Sheikh Fadzir said the people should not be trapped with PKR's drama, especially Anwar, who was taking advantage of the situation.

He said the Kajang by-election was deliberately being forced to enable Anwar achieve his ambition at the expense of the people.

MIC vice-president Datuk M.Saravanan said the people could see for themselves the selfish culture practised by the opposition.

"Should the by-election be held in Kajang, it would be a waste of precious government resources when the people are facing rising costs of goods.

Meanwhile, Penang Malay Congress president Rahmad Isahak said voters in Kajang have become the sacrificial lambs for Anwar to achieve his ambition.

"The episode is not about democracy but a move to satisfy the desire of a regressive politician," he said.

In KOTA KINABALU, Sabah Umno Liaison deputy chairman Datuk Seri Dr Salleh Tun Said Keruak hit out at the opposition coalition for abusing the people in Kajang and described the resignation of the state assemblyman in the constituency as an opposition drama.

He said the resignation of Lee Chin Cheh was at the behest of Anwar and the developments in the last few days were just drama script being played out.

"It appears that after Anwar, who had failed to take Putrajaya, is eyeing the Selangor Menteri Besar post in desperation for power and political survival," he said in a statement.

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

WHO is not familiar with Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim? He is still the Opposition leader who is a force to be reckon with. Proficient, intelligent and an essential figure in the Malaysian political scene despite having decades of controversy and challenges in realising his political ambitions.

Recently, Anwar sparked yet another bold move when he announced to contest the DUN Kajang seat just two days after the former Kajang State Assembly member Lee Chin Cheh unexpected resignation.

In this first month of 2014, Anwar’s candidacy is seen as a surprise. It is as if he is looking for a stepping stone to achieve 'something' that is far greater than a de-facto leader.

A Consolation Prize?

Former New Straits Times Press’ group editor-in-chief, Datuk A. Kadir Jasin wrote in his blog recently about his views on Anwar's move to contest in Kajang. He saw it as an acknowledgment of defeat by Anwar who fails to become the Prime Minister of Malaysia.

.Over the years, most Malaysians are fully aware of Anwar’s aspirations to grasp the power as the cabinet’s most senior position in his hand. This ambition of Anwar was incepted even in the earlier days of Anwar's involvement in the Malaysian political arena, in the 1980’s.

To Kadir, the announcement of him running in the Kajang soon-to-be-held by-election is somewhat an unspoken 'compensation' prize due to his failure to be Prime Minister. If he succeeds, Anwar is likely to take over Selangor Mentri Besar’s position fromTan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim.

In a packed press conference held yesterday, both Anwar and Khalid denied this possibility to ever materialized.

Through his blog, Kadir felt that Anwar’s 'enemy' might think Anwar’s latest rendezvous is an act to compensate his need to be the prime minister which has yet to be fulfilled.

The implication of Anwar’s move might be of something interesting for Malaysians to witness. Kadir also explained that if Anwar did win the Kajang by-election, he will be a better outfit than Khalid to run Selangor given his years of experience.

"This is a ​​great sacrifice for Anwar because all these years, all he wanted in politics was to become a Prime Minister,” Kadir wrote on his blog.

He said the nomination was not a coincidence but it was carefully planned by Anwar.

"Anwar’s plan to regain his lost power began when he was appointed as the Selangor government economic planning in 2008 for a fee of only RM1 per month," said Ismail.

The conflict between PKR’s deputy president Azmin Ali and Khalid are also just a ‘distraction’

"The struggle in his party is all planned, as well as the dismissal of Azmin is just to make way for Anwar to lead Selangor,” he said.

Ismail added that Azmin and Khalid dispute was presented only through on the media but he reckoned the truth is the two are not hateful to each other as reported.

Exploiting Democracy

Ismail also said Anwar's move to contest in Kajang by removing Lee showcases him as someone who had tarnished the very value of democracy.

"He traded the trust and mandate given by the people for PKR’s own benefit," he said.

What’s more, Lee’s resignation was a total surprise and Lee’s ambiguous reasons for doing so had raised thousands of questions.

BN Must Now Prepare

Ismail urged BN to keep their eyes open and to think out-of-the-box. They have to start playing the ‘game’ smartly. He thinks it is not smart for BN to take the matters lightly and the ruling party must stop ridiculing PKR’s conflict while ignoring their own.

As a proactive measure, BN should start thinking of candidates suited to ‘fight’ Anwar in Kajang. The most important aspect to consider is; how can they woo the people of Kajang and ways to fish for their votes.

"I hope the people of Kajang will choose wisely," Ismail said.

Is Anwar Fit To Be A Menteri Besar?

Profesor Madya Dr Sivamurugan Pandian. Pic: TMIWith many speculations going around predicting Anwar to be Selangor Menteri Besar if he were to win Kajang by-election, some wonder, is he eligible to be the head of Selangor’s office?

Universiti Sains Malaysia political analyst, Dr. Sivamurugan Pandian was unsure of Anwar’s eligibility to be Selangor Menteri Besar. He said one of the main criteria to hold the position is; the candidates must be a resident of the state. Anwar was born in Penang and his current residence is in Kuala Lumpur.

“If he wins and wants to be a Mentri Besar, he first need to ask for the consent of Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah,” said Sivamurugan.

According to him, Anwar’s plan to be Mentri Besar may also be a move to help stabilize the relationship between Azmin and Khalid.

"I am confident that PKR Supreme Council has a strong reason to choose him as a candidate to run for the Kajang seat", he told mD.

What Do The People Of Kajang think?

Suhaimi Daud, 38, who hails from Kajang said Anwar’s nomination to replace Lee was not appropriate and he felt the decision as a move from a greedy man.

He said Anwar is not fit to lead Kajang because the opposition leader does not come from there.

"He is the Permatang Pauh MP, what does he want in Kajang?", he questioned Anwar.

"For me, it doesn’t matter who's running, but it is better if we can give an opportunity to the locals to represent their own people," he explained to mD.

It is different for Zamanhuri Yaacob who is in his 50s. He fully supports the nomination of Anwar.

"I am sure Anwar is the right candidate to bring about improvements here especially with his vast experience,” he said.

He also believed that there are a lot of Anwar supporters in Kajang.

Zamanhuri felt that the Kajang local people are confident with the promises of Pakatan Rakyat and one of it is to offer free education.

"If our children’s education is free ... there is no need for parents to apply for loans," he said to mD.

Meanwhile, Hiew Chew Kuang argued that Anwar’s road to fame will not be easy in winning the Kajang by-election. He felt Anwar's chances of winning the seat is 50-50.

"Though he is seen as a caliber and charismatic leader, but many of my friends do not like his character and his personal problems," he said.

He pointed out that while the majority of the voters in Kajang are Chinese and are expected to favour Anwar, the community must also weigh in Anwar’s personal nature and character.

"It is also better to have someone with a good character to lead us," he said.

Twitter Users Are Not Happy

Twitter users have been reported to be confused and unhappy with Anwar’s move to fill the DUN seat in Kajang. These are some of their responses:

.@ IhsanHuhu: "Seriously I trust more than PKR DAP. # You do not take people's trust awnings for granted. Surely we wat cans until PRU14 for any reshuffling."

@ Beckyilham: "So as an MP, do you serve the people or the power hungry leader in your party? # Francisco", he wrote.

Friday, January 24, 2014

Creative netizens turned Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak into a political piñata which his rivals gleefully clobbered. For some though, especially Najib’s colleagues in the ruling coalition, the kangkung jokes have grown stale.

MCA vice-president Datin Chew Mei Fun feels the kangkung issue has been overblown, reasserting that the vegetable was merely an example.

The prime minister, she says, was trying to make it relatable — a reason also cited by Najib himself — although she acknowledges that maybe he could have used a more appropriate example.

Najib’s message has been distorted, she adds.

“I wish people would look at the issue at hand. The government cannot be blamed for everything as there are things beyond their control.”

She, however, sympathises with the rakyat who want a good life without any price hikes. People feel the government has not done enough.

Monday, January 20, 2014

Saturday, January 18, 2014

malaysia

Analysts: Azmin-Khalid squabble a red herring in ‘Allah’ dispute

By Boo Su-LynJanuary 18, 2014

Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim. — Picture by Choo Choy MayKUALA LUMPUR, Jan 18 — The ongoing fight between PKR’s Azmin Ali and Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim is merely to distract non-Muslims from the recent bibles seizure that has sparked furore against the Pakatan Rakyat (PR) state government’s handling of the controversy, analysts have suggested.
Political analysts also believe that Opposition Leader and PKR de facto chief Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had intervened in Azmin’s termination from the board of the Selangor State Economic Development (PKNS) to contain the rivalry between the party deputy president and the head of the Selangor government.
“It is possible that this issue is being used by PKR to distract PKR non-Muslim supporters from the Allah issue,” Professor Jayum Jawan from Universiti Putra Malaysia told The Malay Mail Online today.
“PKR Selangor and the PKR-led coalition is not making a firm stand on the issue of (the) Jais raid,” added the political analyst, referring to the Selangor Islamic Religious Department’s (Jais) confiscation of over 300 Malay and Iban-language bibles from the Bible Society of Malaysia (BSM) on January 2.
Dr Lim Teck Ghee, director of think tank Centre for Policy Initiatives (CPI), said Anwar has to quickly resolve the conflict between Azmin and Khalid because prolonged strife in the PR lynchpin would not only harm the party, but also the pact as a whole.
“This is probably the most serious case of infighting within PKR since its formation,” he told The Malay Mail Online.
“It highlights the inability of the party leadership to close ranks to meet the growing threat from Umno and its proxies. It is a distraction to the party’s need to make hard decisions on the religious divisions engulfing the country,” added Lim.
Datuk Dr Shamsul Amri Baharuddin from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia agreed with Jayum and said that PR leaders always put on “shows” for the public.
“The master ‘dalang’ (mastermind), DSAI, remains the one who decides the storyline,” Shamsul Amri told The Malay Mail Online, referring to Anwar.
The PR leadership and Selangor government have been criticised for their response to the bible seizures by Jais that were conducted under a 1988 state law — which bans non-Muslims from using the word for God “Allah”, among other Arabic words — that was passed by the then Barisan Nasional (BN) government.
In a commentary on news website The Nut Graph last Monday, Jacqueline Ann Surin pointed out that Khalid took six days to make an official statement on the Jais raid, which was the second time the Islamic authorities raided premises belonging to Christian organisations.
Jais had raided the Damansara Utama Methodist Church (DUMC) in 2011 over complaints that the evangelical church was proselytising to Muslims, which is illegal in the country.
“Sallehan, on behalf of the Selangor government, shied away from stating whether non-Muslims could use ‘Allah’ in Selangor,” Surin wrote, referring to Sallehan Mukhyi, who is the Selangor executive councillor for religious affairs.
“Neither did the Selangor government condemn Jais’s actions...the Selangor government has displayed a lacking in both clarity and courage,” she added.
She also noted that instead of supporting a proposal by three DAP Selangor assemblyman to amend the controversial 1988 enactment, Anwar had castigated the trio for being hasty.
At a news conference, Anwar also announced that Azmin was still a PKNS board member, despite the state-owned firm saying that a letter has been sent to the latter to inform him that the Selangor state executive council had decided on his removal last year.
Khalid said in response that he would “consider” reinstating Azmin’s position, but noted that an immediate restoration is prohibited by the PKNS Enactment.
Dr Sivamurugan Pandian, political scientist from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), said that the feud between Azmin and Khalid could worsen party infighting to the extent that Azmin’s supporters may want Khalid to step down as mentri besar.
“And the party election is around the corner as well,” he said, noting that the PKR contest is scheduled for April.
He added that the Azmin’s and Khalid’s rivalry has been going on for years. Khalid is in his second term as Selangor mentri besar after PR retained the country’s most developed state in Election 2013, since first winning it in the 2008 general election.
“Many will see as though it is done to slow down Azmin within the state,” said Sivamurugan.

Friday, January 17, 2014

Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was to blame
for the on-going but often denied rift between the Selangor menteri besar and
PKR Vice-President Azmin Ali.

Political analyst Dr James Chin
attributed the spat between Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim and the Bukit
Antarabangsa MP to bad political management.

“Anwar mismanaged the situation. What he
should have done was to make a deal with them so they won’t fight over the MB
post,” he told The Rakyat Post.

Chin was commenting on the recent
removal of Azmin as a Selangor State Development Corporation (PKNS) board
member, a move that has escalated speculation about the scuffle between the
two.

Khalid has, however, denied that the
decision was due to a personal rift.

Anwar was reported today as saying
Azmin’s removal did not follow proper procedures.

The de-facto PKR leader should have
given another post to Azmin, Chin added.

Despite the feud, which saw Anwar
publicly backing Azmin and chastising Khalid on several occasions, Chin
believed that support for the party would not be affected.

People, he explained, understood that
the tiff between the duo was spurred by ambition.

Universiti Sains Malaysia Associate
Professor Dr Sivamurugan Pandian echoed Chin’s take on ambition, pointing out
that the PKR elections were just around the corner.

Removing Azmin could be a way of slowing
down his ascent in the party.

“Khalid doesn’t have a good position in
the party, but as a menteri besar he could influence decisions to go against
Azmin,” the political analyst said.

He, however, agreed that this would in
no way weaken the party.

Meanwhile, MCA Youth Central Committee
member Datuk Ei Kim Hock said Khalid’s denial about having a part to play in
Azmin’s removal was difficult to accept.

Ei said PKNS was an investment arm
under the Selangor Government’s purview and was in charge of promoting property
development in Selangor.

He said Khalid, as the PKNS chairman,
had absolute right to make any decision.

“Apparently, the PKR infighting has made
PKNS its collateral damage. It is also ridiculous to know that a general
manager can drop an appointed director, as claimed by Khalid,” he said in a
statement today.

Tuesday, January 14, 2014

KUALA LUMPUR: Blogger Big Dog today highlighted the following letter, entitled The Selfless Man, which appeared in the New Straits Times shortly after the passing of Malaysia’s second Prime Minister, Tun Hj Abdul Razak Hussein, in January 1976:
Tun Razak was a faithful Muslim and knowledge of the more rapid approach of his own death was received with the equanimity and fortitude of the truly faithful. He did not turn away from his fellow men nor seek to spend the remaining years to ensuring a place in afterlife for himself alone.
Selfishness did not overcome him. Instead he redoubled his dedication to service towards others, to his people, his country and most certainly to his religion. This dedication took a heavy toll on his health. But his doctors were never able to deter him from his self-imposed tasks.
He performed the Hajj in 1970 again and threw himself into his work with renewed energy and unshaken faith. In all that he did, there was now a note of urgency as the days and months rapidly telescoped in the face of the inevitable. Sometime tiredness showed through. How often he must thought of approaching death have assailed him. Those to whom the inevitability of death looms large and real know well the fear and helplessness.
It would have been natural to falter, to seek pity and sympathy, to retire and rest the tired mind and body. It would have been easy and justified, for there were laurels to rest on. But never once did he falter. To the solicitous comments of his friends, close aides and even immediate members of his family that he looked unwell, his response was to deny and to dismiss. He was fir, he said, and then invariably the subject was switched to work that had to be done.
Towards the end he was particularly concerned over the economy of the nation. He considered it his personal duty to show a good example. But even as he set about doing this, his health deteriorated further.
Advised to seek medical care in Europe, his first thought was over the expense. Repeatedly, he explained that he couldn’t pay and hoped that the Minister of Finance would not mind paying. To justify this unexpected expense, he submitted a full medical report to the Minister of Finance.
Finally convalescing in London, he chafed over his absence from the country. He wanted to return because he had to preside over the meeting of Menteri Besars in Langkawi, Kedah and other pressing issues.
And when death was rapidly approaching, he preyed for three more months. There was the Third Malaysia Plan to launch and a few loose ends to tie up.
This was the man whom we have lost and mourned. He was not perfect. Like very mortal, he had his faults. But there is no man, no leader of his people who was more selfless.
He gave every moment of his life to service to others and heeded not to his own needs. He did this fully aware that his days were numbered.
May Allah have mercy on his soul and place him amongst the Defenders of the Faith, for his selfless service to his people, his country and to Islam is not only in accordance with teachings of Islam but is also a measure of his abiding faith in his religion.
For us who still live, the life and death of Tun Haji Abdul Razak Bin Datuk Hussein, Prime Minister of Malaysia, is worthy of most profound study and contemplation. There is a lesson there that denies that the purpose of life is the pursuit of self-interest and attention to one’s own selfish needs, spiritual or otherwise.
Life, the exclusive gift of Allah, must be dedicated to high purpose as it is eternal, and death rested as if it will come tomorrow.
From Allah he cometh, to Allah he returneth.
- A COLLEAGUE -
Big Dog noted that the writer of the letter has since been identified as former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who was Education Minister at the time of Tun Razak’s passing. The blogger also noted that today is the birthday of Tun Razak’s son and current Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Mohd. Najib Tun Haji Abdul Razak.
“May his quest in stepping into his father’s footsteps and legacy in making Malaysia a better place for everyone be as dedicated as he father was, a truly a ‘Selfless Man’,” the blogger wrote.

GEORGE TOWN, Jan 13 (Bernama) -- The death of former Penang Gerakan chairman Datuk Tan Gim Hwa is a big loss to the party, says political analyst Associate Prof Dr Sivamurugan Pandian.

He said it was now crucial for Gerakan to set up a new direction to boost its leadership and ensure its members still pursue the same political ideology.

He said Gerakan needed direction to face the challenges upfront, adding that it still had many good leaders to uphold the party and bring in new members.

In an interview with BERNAMA, Monday, Sivamurugan said losing party veterans might change the political scenario but strategy plans were needed to ensure new leaders were groomed to face challenges ahead and remain united.

Tan, 76, who had been ailing since May last year, died late Sunday, following multiple stroke.

Meanwhile, Penang UMNO liaison committee secretary, Datuk Musa Sheikh Fadzir described Tan's death as a great loss in the political arena.

He said the veteran Gerakan leader was very committed in ensuring the people did not miss out on development.

Friday, January 10, 2014

Leaders Have To Mind Their Words

By Norshazlina Nor'azman

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 10 (Bernama) -- Of late statements made by some leaders over a host of issues especially on the rising cost of living due to the rationalisation of subsidies seemed to only further annoy the public.

Statements like "if you find the toll expensive, avoid using highways", "chicken price going up, so don't eat chicken, "vegetables going up, then plant your own greens", and "no complains so far means people agree to the price hikes" if not arrogant are certainly an insult to the public's intelligence.

That's not all, remember the statement "if you don't like BN, you can migrate" is certainly outrageous and the inconsistent statements on the opening of Hard Rock Cafe in Putrajaya clearly reflected on the convoluted minds speaking on the matter.

Statements like these reflect badly on the leaders and the government.

A lecturer with Universiti Sains Malaysia's Social Science Studies Centre Associate Professor Dr Sivamurugan Pandian noted that the leaders have to be more careful with their words if they were to avoid embarrassing themselves.

PEOPLE HAD ENOUGH

He said such statements would not help in shedding light on issues and on the contrary would create resentment.

"Politicians in giving their response have to be rational and have to see from the people's point of view, only then the people will look up at them.

"One must not forget that the voice of the leaders also represent the voice of the government. So, whatever they say will reflect on the government," he said when contacted by Bernama.

THE ART OF COMMUNICATING

Sivamurugan said it was not too late for leaders to learn how to communicate effectively and at the same time preserve their credibility.

"They have to think over what they have to say if they don't want to end up as the but of the joke. Their irrational response could prove to be a liability to the government," he said.

Meanwhile, the National Professor Council's head of the Political, Security and International Relations Cluster Prof Datuk Dr Mohamed Mustafa Ishak felt that it was only proper one kept the mouth shut if one was not well versed on the subject matter.

"They have to know what they should answer...they have to pacify the people and talk in words that soothes the hearts of the people...nonsensical statements only further disappoint the people," he said.

Mohamed Mustafa noted that the government could help the leaders avoid the pitfalls by providing official talking points, or guidance on the approach to be taken in managing with issues.

He added that the people have the right to feel offended and angry when the issues were not properly addressed.

Have Dialogues With The Masses To Explain Current Issues

By Nur Aimidiyana Zuher

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 7 (Bernama) -- The government has to hold more dialogues or forums with the masses to explain on the current issues especially the ones relating to the rise in the cost of living, said a political analyst.

Of late, the rise in prices of goods and services including cooking oil, sugar and electricity tariff has been the hot topic following the government's move to rationalise subsidies.

The government's move had created numerous reactions including protests and this has to be explained properly.

The Deputy Dean of Social Science Studies Centre at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) Associate Professor Dr Sivamurugan Pandian noted that the sharing of information between the government and the society is important and the two way interaction would help facilitate the implementation of policies.

UNDERSTAND THE FUNDAMENTALS OF THE POLICIES

Yet the question remains whether the government could explain whether the policies are justified?

Commenting on this, Sivamurugan said the people had to be given the opportunity to grasp the essence and purpose of the policies before they were implemented.

Therefore, shedding light effectively on a policy could help avoid confusion or calm down fears among the people.

He provided the six percent Goods and Services Tax (GST) to be implemented in April 2015 as announced by the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak when tabling the 2014 Budget as something that has to be explained to the people.

"In 2013 we went through the 13th General Election, and this year the people will like to see the promises under the manifestos fulfilled," he told Bernama.

He said effective communication relating to a particular issue could help people grasp better understanding on the actions taken by the government, and this prevents them from easily swayed by parties that take advantage of the situation.

THE MOVE TO REDUCE EXPENDITURE

However, one must not forget that in reality, the prices after the reduction of the subsidies will reflect the real market price and the real economic environment.

The government also announced the reduction in entertainment allowance between five and 10 percent for senior civil servants in the JUSA C and above salary scale .

Sivamurugan noted that the move to reduce public expenditure through the 11 steps proved that the government is fully aware on the burden felt by the people.

"However, in the long term the government not only has to consider the costs that will be going up but also has to adopt systematic management," he said.

The government's move could also be emulated by the private sector.

CHANGE THE LIFESTYLE

Meanwhile, Malaysian Islamic Consumer Association's (PPIM) chief activist Datuk Nadzim Johan noted that though consumers disliked the rise in prices of goods and services, they have to view it positively.

"Consumers have to change their perception and should not depend on the government alone. They have to change their lifestyle and the way they spend, for example if the individual smokes then it's better to stop smoking.

"Apart from that, consumers too should be smart in managing their finances and in increasing their income," he said, adding that it is undeniable that Malaysians were feeling the heat due to the spike in the prices.

As for the former President of the Malaysian Youth Movement Tan Pei Leong, the society has to prepare itself in facing the challenges of 2014 calmly and in preserving the inter-racial harmony.

"Whatever the decision there will always be some who agree and some who don't agree. Nevertheless, we as Malaysians cannot be sitting on our laurels without finding ways that will benefit us," he said.

Tan said being an informed society each individual has to learn how to be resilient in facing the raising cost of living.

Better platform for students to voice grouses, says political analyst

The content may have been removed, or is temporarily unavailable.We apologize for the inconvenience. Please try again later.

KUALA LUMPUR: A better platform is needed for students to voice out their grouses to the government, said USM political scientist associate professor Dr Sivamurugan Pandian.

Speaking to #AWANI on Wednesday, Sivamurugan said such a platform would be in line with the country's democratic process.

Commenting on the rally by TURUN, Sivamurugan added that allowing students to take part in rallies outside campus is part of the amendments made to the Universities and Universities and Colleges Act 1971 (UUCA).

A group of dissatisfied youths gathered at Dataran Merdeka yesterday to voice out their grievances over the increase in cost of living.

The grouses came from TURUN, an undergraduate non-governmental organisation and several others including Solidariti Mahasiswa Malaysia (SMM), Jingga 13 and Solidariti Anak Muda Malaysia (SAMM).

Chairman of Solidariti Mahasiswa Malaysia Mohd Bukhairy Soffian reiterated that their intention was not an attempt to provoke or overthrow the government but to express dissatisfaction of the people over the rising cost of living in the country.